Recipients of the PDSA's Dickin Medal, the animal version of the Victoria Cross

A military dog who lost a leg when sniffing out a roadside bomb has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross after serving in more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lucca, a 12-year-old German shepherd, served in the US Marine Corps for six years, protecting the lives of troops by sniffing out munitions. Her efforts were awarded with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the highest award for animals serving in military conflict. Lucca's owner, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, travelled to London with his pet to accept the medal.